Fashion in the Street; Part Two

Happy Friday Fashionable Guys&Girls!

Did you see Part One of my Fashion in Street weekend and interview with Benjamin Cottrell?

Most of the shows on Saturday got rained out... but with some rescheduling and no rain forecasted for Sunday, the shows went on. And what could be a better excuse to be in Chicago a second day?

Day Two Schedule--

12:30pm: Matt Kysia Live

2pm: Blair Chic Runway Show

2:30-4pm: Ghosthouse 

3pm: Caroline Borucki Runway Show

4pm: Ramsey J. Prince Runway Show Featuring DJ AppleJackz

5pm: Barbara Bates Runway Show Featuring World Renown Pianist Ani Gogova

5:30-7pm: Hey Champ

6pm: True Blessyn Runway Show

7pm: J. TOOR Runway Show Featuring World Renown Cellist Ian Maksin

8pm: GIDI Runway Show

8:45pm: Soraya By Rozi Runway Show

9:30pm: E.Kaye Runway Show

Close of Fest... After Party at Bar Louie

The weather was right- there was no rain... but it was freezing! I stayed for almost the entire day anyway, staying warm with a quick outfit change (definitely not cute skirt and tank top weather) and Starbucks. 

And the runway fashions were still hot...

RJP Designs

View full gallery on KrygPhotography's facebook.

 These models must have been freezing, but from their walks were still totally fierce. The RJP Designs collection also had so much sparkle factor with glamourous swimwear and swim cover ups.

Barbara Bates Designs

View full gallery on KrygPhotography's facebook.

The Barbara Bates Designs collection had super cute prints in pinks, blues, and black. Peplums and hi-lo hemlines were so pretty in the prints.

True Blessyn

View full gallery on KrygPhotography's facebook.

The True Blessyn collection was so bright and fun with bold colours. All of the pieces were fun and chic- easy to dress up or down in the summer.

J. Toor

View full gallery on KrygPhotography's facebook.

It was so exciting to see a men's line of course. Bold colours and subtle prints like dots, checks, and stripes are always fun to see. And if the men watching the show were any indication of Chicago's style, J.Toor fit in perfectly.

Every show was stunning and all of the entertainment was awesome. I can't wait to see (and share with you) more from the above designers along with others I saw or shopped at in the vendor area. Check out the complete list of designers, entertainment, and sponsors on Fashion in the Streets' website and facebook.

And don't miss it next year (28 & 29 June 2014 are listed right now).

Happy Weekend &

Stay Fabulous,
xoxo Aimee ♥

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Close-Up | Benjamin Cottrell

Photos from Saturday 1 June
Most shows were moved to Sunday,
but it was still an awesome day of shopping.*interview 2 June 2013

Hey Fashionable Guys&Girls!

In case you missed all my tweets and instagrams this weekend, I was in Chicago for Fashion in the Street (FITS). Green Curtain Events' second annual fashion festival featured gorgeous collections by designers like J. Toor, Caroline Borucki, and Ramsey Jay Prince on the 100-foot runway and great DJs and bands like Hey Champ and Ghosthouse.

Of course the weekend couldn't have been incredibly fabulous without Chicago's hottest fashion show producer, Benjamin Cottrell. It was so fantastic to meet and interview him (Bows&Beau-ties' first ever!).

How did you get started in runway fashion?

I started actually in special events and worked for a high end special design firm for about four years working up to management there and then went into my own production company and really just focused on fashion, so I produce events but I'm always working on fashion. I don't really do anything but that. I don't do weddings or different parties like that.

When did you start your own design company?

I actually started my own company when I was in college and then always kept it on the side when I moved to Chicago. And then four years ago started doing it full time again.

What do you do as a fashion runway producer? Do you choose the venues and the designers?

I'm there from start to finish. I select the venues. I have my whole team that comes with me to each show. And I choose the designers based on the venue and the look that I want, work with lighting and staging, set-up, pretty much anything that goes into an event.

Do you get inspiration from other designer's shows?

I don't. I actually don't look at other designers' shows; I really like it to come from my heart. And I like to walk into a space and be inspired by the space.

What is Chicago's fashion industry like? Like in comparison to New York or L.A.

Very supportive, a lot of great people.

On your page it said something about Benjamin Cottrell Runway; is that different from your design company?

Yes, Benjamin Cottrell Runway is a boutique agency. It's a sister agency of Benjamin Cottrell Designs. I hire around 25 to 30 models each season and all of those models walk for my shows. You have to be a Benjamin Cottrell runway model to walk for my productions. It just keeps everything a little bit simpler for me and also just builds a family, builds relationships with people. It's great to have the same girls and guys always with me. Everybody kind of knows each other, all one big happy family.

What's your next project?

Next project is my last show of the season. It is called "Come Sail Away". I'm shutting down the Castaways Boat at North Avenue Beach. It's on June 12th and I'm going to have a fashion show on top of the boat. First ever. And we're going to have fireworks following the fashion show. Live steel drum band. It's going to be a really hot, sexy, warm night in Chicago.


Photos from Sunday to come, but until then, check out these photos by KrygPhotography. And follow Benjamin Cottrell Designs on facebook and twitter to stay up-to-date on all of his upcoming glamorous events

Stay Fabulous,
xoxo Aimee ♥

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What's in my Makeup Bag?

Hey Fashionable Guys&Girls!

Recently I started using Vine (an app that allows you to record 6 second videos perfect for quick diy or runway shots). And I decided it would be great to share a sneak peek into my makeup bag...

Follow me on Vine @bowsandbeau-ties

1. My makeup bag. I've actually collected quite a few makeup bags, but my latest favourite when I'm not carrying a lot is this canvas Aveda bag. It's just over 6" wide X 6.5 tall and lined with an ethylene-vinyl lining for easy clean-up for those annoying makeup spills or dirty brushes. Aveda doesn't currently sell makeup bags online, but check for availability in your nearest Aveda shop/spa.

2. Fit Me® Pressed Powder. As you can see from the bottom of the makeup tin showing I use this a ton. It lasts a long time since I've brought this one to a few fashion events already and just use it as an everyday product. I'm guessing I can still get at least 2-5 weeks out of it. It's light and natural with full coverage even with winter dry skin (just add some moisturizer). There is also a makeup pad and mirror under the powder itself.

3.Fit Me® Concealer. Another long-time favourite, also from Maybelline's FIT family. Like the pressed powder, its full coverage is light and natural and lasts a long time.

4. Aveda Hand Relief. It is so moisturizing and has a texture somewhere between a typical lotion and body butter. Aveda says that the A and E vitamins 'diminish signs of aging' and the product 'increases moisture levels and elasticity in skin with continued use' and so far I think that has proven true. A reason I love Avdea so much is that all of the fragrances are so incredibly calming. In this hand relief, the note of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)  is subtly sweet. I usually bring a larger bottle or body butter along as well, but this cute little lotion fits great in my makeup bag for quick 'hand relief'.

5. The Body Shop Love Gloss. I love The Body Shop just as a brand and this Love Gloss in 13-Pale Pink is my favourite. It's a pretty sheer pink, just noticeable, but not too much. The sunflower oil, coconut oil, and cocoa butter make the lip gloss really moisturizing too. I'm looking for a lipstick to fall in love with like this lip gloss so comment with your fab suggestions. ;)

6. Covergirl LashBlast Volume Mascara. Classic! My eyelashes are pretty long and full already, but for a more dramatic look I always use Very Black 800.

7. ChapStick Moisturizer. And I just happen to have a pretty boring lip balm in my bag at the moment. I always have a lip balm in my bag so after my Burt's Bees balm ran out, I had to temporarily replace it with this at the cash wrap/checkout- which isn't actually as terrible as I thought it might be. Kim of A Very Sweet Blog has completely sold me on EOS's adorable lip balm though.

8. Hair elastics and bobbi pins. Must haves.

Glad makeup artists know what they're doing! I occasionally add a few more products, but in general foundation, concealer, mascara, lip gloss/balm, and hair elastics are my makeup basics.

What are you 'must have' makeup items or lip stick (any other makeup) suggestions?

Stay Fabulous,
xoxo Aimee ♥

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Out&About | Youphoriclothing Fashion Show

Photo by John Ashenbrener
Model: Bella Pope

Hey Fashionable Guys&Girls!

Last Sunday, I was in Milwaukee to see YouphoriClothing's "Beauty is in Everything" Fashion Show. The brand is based out of Milwaukee and describes their clothing as "Up-Cycled". Like General Knot&Co, they recycle fabric (including book covers!) to create new beautiful pieces and "bring happiness to YOU through your wardrobe." Their one-of-a-kind boho "new wave" pieces scream summer and would be perfect for any music festival. But their main goal is that whatever your style you feel totally confident and rock it. ;) Throughout the show, besides the awesome personalities of all their models, four performed impressive dance routines- some with their hula hoops (pictured below). Two, friends of the designer, recently graduated with dance and theatre majors and two, practiced performers.

Along with the show, live music including HER aka Higher Education Records and other local vendors like Two Infiniti were showcased. Donations went to Nia Imani Family Inc, a Milwaukee transitional home for women and their children.

See Youphoriclothing's Facebook page to order.

Photos by VDC Photo
(view and 'like' on his FB page)

Photos by John Doorley
(view and 'like' entire album on their FB page)

Stay Fabulous,
xoxo Aimee ♥

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Out&About | Historic Third Ward

Hey Fashionable Guys&Girls!

On Wednesday, a fashion show brought me to the Milwaukee area and I was able to spend some time in my favourite Milwaukee area, the Historic Third Ward, "Milwaukee's Arts and Fashion District". Minutes from the Milwaukee Art Museum on the lake, It's an arty warehouse district with beautiful architecture. There are so many cool boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.

Chicago-like weather!

One place I always need to stop in at when I'm in the area  is Lela Boutique to see all of their new gorgeous pieces.

"In October 2003, co-owners Stephanie Sherman and Carrie Arrouet launched a fashion movement in the Historic Third Ward of Milwaukee. Their 1,200 square foot boutique brilliantly combines carefully edited vintage with new designer collections.  Lela's cream city brick walls also house exclusive collections from Milwaukee designer Shanel Regier. This eclectic warehouse district that was once the center of the Italian produce trade is now home to cutting edge fashion.

In 2012, Carrie became sole owner and looks forward to bringing fun fashion and great customer service to Milwaukee for years to come!"

-Lela Boutique 

From shoes to accessories to clothes, everything is just beautiful. I have my eye on a couple dresses right now. All stores need a fashionable dog like Sam (the cutie near the middle). Their inspiration board (on the right) is bright and fun like the blue and red walls. Even the little ducks enjoyed a rainy Lela trip. ;)

Next door, I stopped at The Wicked Hop, a casual bar and grill. Couldn't resist the $2 sliders- yum.

Finishing my mini-trip to Historic Third Ward, I went to the Milwaukee Public Market across the street. Just like an indoors farmer's market- away from the rain and wind!

When should you visit Historic Third Ward? (besides anytime!)

Throughout the year like- 19&20 April and 25&26 July 2013- check out new artists, art,  and shop at Gallery Night and Day. Fridays are from 5pm-9pm (and afterwards check out the fun milwaukee nightlife ;)) and Saturdays are from 10am-4pm. I've been to a couple 'nights' and 'days' and they're both awesome. See the participant list, map, and details here.

Stay Fabulous,

xoxo Aimee ♥

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